| The Unigram Newsletter for January 2019 Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento |
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2425 Sierra Boulevard,
Sacramento, CA 95825
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Upcoming Services
Sunday Service Theme for Winter: Sources of Meaning and Inspiration
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January 6
Epiphanies and Special Moments: Peak Experiences and Plain Ones
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Worship Associate Frances Myers
An epiphany is a surprise experience, often powerful. Some feel it as a transcendent moment, a revelation, a brush with divinity, or the sudden awareness of beauty everywhere and of love surrounding your soul and body. January 6 is Epiphany in the Christian calendar, recalling the Magi's trip to see the holy child in a Bethlehem stable and bask in his glow. What makes your spirit glow?
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices at 9:45 a.m.:
- Labyrinth Walking Meditation in the back meadow.
- Soup Sunday: UUSS volunteer teams provide a wholesome selection of soups; $5 donation.
- Service Auction sign-ups: Stop by the Growing Love table and submit your auction items!
January 13
Peace vs. Comfort: The Rough Challenge of Nonviolent Action
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Worship Associate Jed Shapiro
and the UUSS Kids Freedom Club.
A week in advance, we'll provide information and guidance for ways to commemorate the federal holiday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Also today, we'll reflect on his legacy. Amid the current harsh challenges to achieving a just society, what sources of inspiration can keep us going? During the service, we will hear from UUSS youth who learn about and raise awareness of debt bondage, wage theft, and other forms of modern slavery. They also raise funds to end it.
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices at 9:45 a.m.: Tai Chi and Qi Gong in the Fahs Classroom.
- Soup Sunday: UUSS volunteer teams provide a wholesome selection of soups; $5 donation.
- Service Auction sign-ups: Stop by the Growing Love table and submit your auction items!
January 20
My Faith: Unitarian Universalism and Sikhism
Rev. Ilene Kaur Tomkins-Gillispie, guest preacher, with Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones
Worship Associate Ginny Johnson, Music Director Keith Atwater, and the UUSS Choir
A lifelong UU, Rev. Ilene grew up in the Virginia suburbs of D.C. She also is a lifelong Sikh--a member of a religion that originated in the 1400s in the Punjab region of South Asia. Come hear about her journey. Learn about similarities between Sikhism and UUism. Rev. Ilene serves the UU congregation in Brevard, North Carolina, where Rev. Roger will preach on March 24. Today's service honors Dr. King's legacy of building relationships and mutual understanding.
- Exploring UUism -- 9:30 a.m. "Social Justice: How Do We Live Our Values?" Fahs Classroom
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices at 9:45 a.m.: Silent Sitting Meditation -- Classroom 6
- Nursery Care available from 9:20 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. -- Room 11 of the Education Wing
- Forum on the Sikh Religion with Rev. Ilene from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. -- Sanctuary/Main Hall
January 27
Old Turtle and the Broken Truth
A Service for All Ages
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Worship Associates Jess Reynolds and Larry Boles, UUSS Youth Readers/Actors, Music Director Keith Atwater, and the UUSS Choir
To seekers of truth, meaning, and insight, Old Turtle is a reassuring and wise presence, but her hard-earned wisdom is a challenge to us all. One of the colorful and soulful books of Douglas Wood is our source of meaning and inspiration on this Sunday. If you have an Old Turtle book, bring it! But in any case, come to listen and marvel, and come to share in the blessing of our community of all ages. We also recognize January birthdays in the service today.
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices at 9:45 a.m.:
- Reading and Responding to Poetry in Classroom 6
- Newcomers' Orientation and Tour of our Campus: 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. starting in the Library/Bookstore (Childcare can continue in Room 11 till 1:00 p.m.; just let caregivers know.)
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Shared Offering Recipient this Month
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Every month we give half of the Sunday service offering to a local not-for-profit group. UUSS members vote every year to choose 12 community partners that embody our values and reflect our mission to be a force for healing in the world. In November, we contributed $3,146
to Loaves and Fishes
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Our January Sunday offerings will be shared with Family Promise of Sacramento, which helps homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. UUSS hosts Family Promise families four weeks a year; guest families will be here January 20-17. See the article below for the 2019 Shared Offering Recipients selected by member voting.
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Senior Minister's Message
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Love Knows No Borders --
Showing Up for the Worth and Dignity of Migrants
I was lucky to be with 400 other clergy and lay leaders from around the country as we gathered in San Diego to mark International Human Rights Day, Dec. 10. Organized by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), this event began a week of protests around the country. We were there to oppose the U.S. government's separation of migrant families, the holding of children in cage-like pens, and the firing of tear gas and rubber bullets on Central Americans who have been attempting to make legal claims for asylum at official U.S. Border stations. Moreover, we wanted to show up in solidarity with border residents in the U.S. and Mexico to oppose the militarization of their communities.
In addition to the presence of Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President of the UUA, and Rev. Mary Katherine Morn, President/CEO of the UU Service Committee, many other denominations were represented--Christians, Muslims, Jews, Quakers, and more.
We filled five chartered buses and then took carpool rides to a park near the border. We then walked a mile down a somewhat muddy path toward the beach. Helicopters flew overhead constantly. Those of our group who had been trained to be the "arrestables" were in front of the rest of us. A mile down the beach, they approached the "No Trespassing" area with cutting concertina wire to the left and ocean waves lapping the sand on the right. Through the high brown-metal fence we could see folks on the Tijuana side of the border who had gathered to look at this protest. Watching us from our side of that metal fence were Border Patrol agents in bulky green uniforms, black helmets with plastic visors, and semi-automatic rifles in their arms.
Fifty faith leaders went to the edge of the restricted area. The front row of four knelt on the sand in the water. They spoke words of blessing and compassion for all concerned. Federal agents then called out warnings before cuffing them and leading them up a hill. They were made to sit on the pavement for an hour or two. In total, 30 folks were arrested. Each time one was led away in cuffs, those of us assembled behind the protest zone would cheer and applaud them and sing loudly. But we didn't know how long they'd be gone or how they'd be treated.
In the next couple of hours, all of them were given citations for refusing to follow orders of federal agents. They were ordered to show up in a federal district court in San Diego or in their local areas. One arrested UU minister was from Boise, another from Philadelphia. The newly appointed executive director of the UU Justice Ministry of California also was arrested. Of course, Methodists, Muslims, Quakers, Jews and other leaders also disobeyed, and got taken away.
Everybody was released within two hours--except for a young AFSC organizer in a red tee shirt (
Love Knows No Borders, it said). One of our trainers, this man had guided us along the beach. For the first day of detention, his colleagues didn't even know where he was. He was not released for two days.
I was exhausted, but very grateful for the leadership, courage, and solidarity of so many. I have begun a monthly donation to the
American Friends Service Committee (1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102) and another monthly donation to the
UU Service Committee (689 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139).
Here at UUSS our Immigrant Justice Team provides ways to let immigrants detained by ICE know they are not forgotten as they sit in the Yuba County Jail. Our Refugee Support Team provides ways to help new neighbors make a home in this area after fleeing zones of war and oppression. To all of you, I say thank you for supporting vulnerable migrants and refugees with your words, deeds, good wishes, time, and money. Thank you for supporting our values.
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Finding Rev. Roger in January
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I'm here every Sunday this month, but to have a good conversation, let's make an appointment! Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon. Sermon and study days are Friday and Saturday. Tuesday is my day off. I'd love to connect with you, so give me a call. Starting on January 28, office hours will change, as I'll be in Berkeley on Mondays to teach a course in the spring semester at Starr King School for the Ministry.
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Finding Rev. Lucy in January
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Now in her sixth year of ministry at UUSS, Rev. Lucy is taking a sabbatical for three months for renewal, reflection, and a writing project. She will return in early April. Her last appearance before taking leave is the New Year's Day Labyrinth Walk on January 1, at 9:00 a.m. Bring an item to share at the brunch to follow.
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Introducing Sangye Hawke, UU Student Minister
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Starting this month, Sangye Hawke will be participating in and exploring ministerial duties, church administration, and worship under Rev. Roger's supervision as part of her field education work for Starr King School for the Ministry, our UU seminary. In addition to some Sundays, she will be on the UUSS campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for meetings and general ministerial work; she looks forward to getting acquainted with you. In addition, she is available for pastoral conversations at UUSS by appointment on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
A practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism for over 20 years, Sangye became a UU at the congregation in Santa Cruz County. Her goal is to become a board-certified Chaplain with a strong background in parish ministry. Her ministerial interests are in hospice, disaster support for both first responders and the affected, and the use of art in support of aging and health challenges.
E-mail her or call the UUSS Office to leave a message for Sangye.
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We extend our condolences to the family of longtime member
Marc Tool, who died December 14, at age 97. Lillian Tool, his wife, died in 2014. A native of Nebraska, Marc served in Italy in World War II. After earning a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, he served as a professor of economics, first at San Diego State and then at Sacramento State (from 1955 to 1983). In retirement he taught half time until 1991, when memory loss was taking its toll on him. He was active in the Forum at UUSS, among other programs. He leaves behind children Marilyn Jio and Larry Tool, plus grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His memorial service in the UUSS Welcome Hall will be Sunday, Feb. 3, 3:00 p.m., reception following.
Memorial contributions to honor Marc's life of teaching, service, and activism may be made to the ACLU of Northern California, the UUSS Heritage Fund, or a local Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease-related charity.
We extend our condolences to Georgene Tarbell, her daughter Kay, and their family and friends on the passing of our member
Richard Tarbell at age 99. He died eight days after his cancer diagnosis, having enjoyed a play a few days earlier. Dick and Georgene joined UUSS in 1954. From 1955 to 1962 they were active members of UU congregations in Maryland and the District of Columbia, and they were founding members of the congregation in College Station, Texas. They returned to Sacramento and UUSS in 1963. A few years later, his career as a U. S. Weather Service hydrologist took the family to Malaysia and Kenya for a United Nations assignment. The Tarble family settled in Sacramento one more time in 1979. In addition to serving on the Board at UUSS, Dick served on the Board of the UUA's Pacific Central District. He was a founder of the UU Community Church of Sacramento in 1989 and a member until the church concluded operations a few years ago; its former members are grieving his death and providing practical support to Georgene at her home. As artists and generous members, Dick and Georgene's many gifts to UUSS include the banners of diverse cultures and faiths on the sanctuary walls, created in 1983 and renovated and expanded in 2015. Note cards and calendars available in our Library show their art. A memorial service for Dick will be announced soon.
We extend our condolences to our church members Joseph and Sarah Turner, on the passing of Joe's grandfather, after whom he was named:
Joseph Turner. He was born Dec. 31, 1939, in Talladega County, Alabama. He died Dec. 2 with family near. Joe was a small-appliance repair person who lived to fish. We appreciate the blessing of having two members of his family in this congregation.
We extend our condolences to the family of
Amber Clark and to employees and volunteers of the Sacramento Public Library System who have lost a friend. She was murdered in her car after leaving work at the North Natomas Library on the night of December 11, allegedly by a resident who had been prohibited form returning to the library. We mourn her tragic death and honor her service.
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Music Director's Message
Celebrating Dr. King in January
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Many churches (including all those I have served as a musician) celebrate Rev. Dr. M. L. King Junior's birthday in January; and I've taught his "I Have a Dream" speech frequently in my high school and college classes. Mahalia Jackson, a well-known and gifted African-American gospel singer, performed one of Dr. King's favorite gospel songs at the March on Washington. She leaned forward halfway through his speech-the last speech on the program-and urged Dr. King to depart from his script and "tell them about the Dream," which resulted in one of his most important and inspiring flights of oratory.
Our choir will sing "A Gospel Song of Peace" with piano, gospel organ, bass, and drums on January 20.
But it's important to remember that on that day in 1963, a whole team of passionate activists--black, white, gay, straight, male, female, younger, older-all worked together to give voice to the dream. These included Bob Dylan, Harry Belafonte, Bayard Rustin, Joan Baez, Ralph Abernathy, and many others. So this month, we diverse UUs honor not just a man, but a community movement as we share in and work toward that dream of inclusiveness, equality, justice, and peace.
P.S.--Choir practice resumes Wednesday, Jan. 2, 7:00-8:30 p.m. All welcome!
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I'm very happy to introduce our newest Board member and Youth Trustee, Maya Auriemma. Maya is a third-generation member of UUSS and has attended since she was about five years old. A student at McClatchy High School, she is active in HISP and in VAPA. Curious about those programs, as I was? Ask her about them. With interests in the arts and humanities as well as being a recreational swimmer and participating in theater when her schedule allows, Maya is a wonderful addition to our Board.
Do you have Saturday, February 2, 8:45 a.m. to noon marked on your calendar? This all-congregation event will engage you in identifying actions that will bring our new strategic plan's goals and objectives alive. What are your thoughts about how you and the UUSS groups that you are involved in might, for example, contribute to deepening our connections with each other (a Goal #1 objective), or deepening our engagement with interfaith and community partners (a Goal #2 objective) or, as individuals, deepening our understanding of our role in perpetuating racism and that anti-racism work is a spiritual practice (a Goal #3 objective). Bring your ideas about these and the other objectives on February 2 and hear what others are planning as well.
This fall the Board has moved ahead with developing additional, needed Safe Congregation Policies. Under the leadership of Roger Olson and with the advice and support of our Unitarian Universalist Association, we anticipate policies and procedures that will guide us in the event of emergencies, including campus security issues, medical emergencies, building evacuations, and disruptive behavior. Because we place a high value on creating a culture of sanctuary and safety within our congregation, we recognize the necessity of policies and guidelines that prepare us for responding with courage and compassion to situations that may challenge that safety. If you have a special interest in one of these areas, Roger would welcome your participation.
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Save the NEW date for Strategic Planning!
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Some of you may have noticed that the date of the Strategic Planning Event conflicted with the Women's March. We certainly didn't want to compete with that so, being strategic, we have rescheduled to Saturday, February 2, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00.
The goal of our congregational planning event on February 2 is to solidify our action plans for each of the three goals to make the UUSS mission come alive in the world. To refresh yourself on the goals and objectives unanimously adopted at the May congregational meeting, check out
www.uuss.org/future.
Since the adoption of these goals, and in preparation for February 2, the strategic planning team has been meeting with various UUSS leadership groups to solicit ideas about how to turn our goals and objectives into reality. The team is organizing these ideas into some very drafty action plans to jump-start our work on February 2. There will be breakout sessions for each of the goals to gather our collective best thinking about the work ahead. Please be sure to join in!
Your contribution is important!
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"Growing Love"
UUSS Service Auction -- February 16
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Each year, UUSS' service auction brings people together for a joyous evening and to raise a considerable sum of money for the church. This year's auction,
"Growing Love," is an opportunity to both donate something others would enjoy and bid on something you would enjoy. So have you decided what service you might offer? After church on January 6, 13, and 20, you can meet with an auction consultant who can help you come up with something fun or helpful-or both!
Don't need a consultant? Go ahead and donate on line at the
auction website. Check
last year's Auction catalog for ideas about what was donated last year. There are so many opportunities to come together with friends and soon-to-be-friends for food, exploration, learning, and fun.
Tickets will go on sale starting January 6. Buy yours early ($20 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under) to make sure you have a place at the table to enjoy all the fun and food.
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Justice and Compassion Work
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Freedom for Immigrants
UUs in action on the front lines for immigrant justice!
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Let's end Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigrant detention - and for now, join us in relieving the isolation of detainees.
Freedom for Immigrants (FFI) was founded in 2009 to coordinate and expand visitation programs for immigrants in detention throughout the United States. When FFI began operation, there were only four visitation programs in the U.S., and it was the first organization of its kind in California. Today, FFI coordinates visitation programs at 43 locations in 25 states, with more than 1,500 volunteers conducting in-person visits to immigrants in detention. The local chapter of FFI is Faithful Friends/Amigos Fieles, with coordinators Susan Lange of UUSS and Joan Laktis from the Grass Valley UU church.
Faithful Friends
has been visiting for six years now after UU Mary Helen Doherty set the program in motion-no small endeavor at the time, due to roadblocks from the Department of Homeland Security. We were visiting at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center in Sacramento County until the Board of Supervisors shut down the contract with the Sheriff's Department as a result of community activism. Faithful Friends is now an official program at the Yuba County Jail in Marysville where up to 200 people are housed in immigration detention under punitive and dehumanizing conditions. We seek to alleviate their isolation through compassionate presence and respectful solidarity.
The UU Service Committee (UUSC) works together with FFI in many capacities. UUSC matched donations to buy phone cards, which allowed asylum-seekers at the Otay Detention Center near San Diego to connect to the outside world after ICE shut down the FFI free hotline. UUSC works together with the American Friends Service Committee and FFI to offer Changing Systems/Changing Ourselves, an online interactive presentation for anti-racist work in immigration justice.
We in the Immigrant Justice Group would like to say thank you and send kind thoughts to Rev. Roger for his participation in the interfaith event at the U.S./Mexico border for those seeking asylum there.
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Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee
Building Community and
Advocating
for Justice in 2019
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Community. We have begun building community in West Arden Arcade and developing new friendships with people involved with Black Child Legacy Campaign Arden Arcade/Mutual Housing and the New Creation Church Arden. We attended meetings, community workshops, child entrepreneur and toy collection events, and shared Christmas dinner together. In the process, we also are learning the West Arden Arcade community's concerns and priorities for the upcoming Sacramento County Environmental Justice Amendment.
We also are building community with other Sacramento ACT congregations by working together on environmental justice and on the controversy surrounding oversight for the Sacramento County Sheriff's office. UUSS and Environmental Justice (EJ) Committee members Ruth McDonald and Christine Bailey testified for transparency and accountability.
Advocating for Justice. At our January 2 EJ Committee meeting at UUSS, we will decide our position and advocacy plan for the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Environmental Justice Workshop, which is currently scheduled for January 29.
In November and December, we collected over 80 signatures for the Sac Kids First Initiative for a 2020 City of Sacramento measure to require that 2.5 percent of City funds be allocated to the Sacramento Children's Fund.
Big and Small Justice Roles. Also, at our January 2 EJ Committee, we will talk about the many opportunities for involvement in environmental justice work in West Arden Arcade.
Our next committee meeting is Wednesday, January 2, in the UUSS Library. Newcomer orientation is at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting is 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. All are welcome!
In the meantime, if you have questions, feel free to talk with Christine Bailey, Hally Cahssai, Eric Ross, Ruth McDonald, or Julie Snider. Or e-mail
interfaithearth@uuss.org
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SURJ Sacramento
UUSS Racial Justice Events
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Black Lives Matter - Abolish and Rebuild Meeting: Join our Black Lives Matter Sacramento Chapter on
Saturday, January 12, at 6:00 p.m. at the Robbie Waters Library, 7335 Gloria Drive.
Their goals are to: DEMOLISH the system that currently exists, REBUILD with the community, HEAL because you can't fight if you can't heal, and UNITE by building power with each other. Focus areas include: cop watching, CPS/securing families, education, community de-escalation, and mental health services.
4th Annual Reclaim MLK March: UUSS will be participating in Black Lives Matter Sacramento's Reclaim MLK March on
Monday, January 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Safeway, 1025 Alhambra Boulevard. We will be marching to the State Capitol to commemorate the radical sentiment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Look for our UUSS
"Black lives matter here" banner to march as a group.
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ): The SURJ community meetings are held quarterly at UUSS. The next meeting is
Wednesday, January 23,
with a newcomer orientation at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. Potluck dinner will be served. Feel free to bring a dish. Join a SURJ workgroup to stay involved in between these meetings. E-mail
surjsacramento@gmail.com.
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2019 Community Partner Organizations
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Thank you to all who submitted nominations for our 2019 Community Partners. The following is the list of elected at the Congregational Meeting and the month in which they will share our collection proceeds. To those whose favorite organizations didn't make the top 12 this year, sometimes it takes a year or two for name recognition, so please submit again next year. Thanks to everyone!
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MONTH
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COMMUNITY PARTNER
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January
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Family Promise
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February
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Black Lives Matter
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March
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Children's Receiving Home
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April
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St. John's Program for Real Change
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May
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Sacramento Senior Safe House
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June
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Mercy Pedalers
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July
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International Rescue Committee of Northern California
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August
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Opening Doors
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September
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Mustard Seed School
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October
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Wind Youth Services
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November
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Loaves and Fishes
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December
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Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services
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YOU and RE at UUSS
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Many factors go into creating a successful
Religious Education program. The number one ingredient is YOU! When you attend on a Sunday morning, when you email me your ideas, when we chat after service, when you dedicate your time to our mission:
We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. Thank you for making a safe space for our children and youth to explore their spirituality with their peers and the adults who serve as volunteers. I hope you look back at 2018 and smile. --
Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator
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2019: Get Ready!
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We look forward to seeing you and serving you in the new year. Highlights to look forward to and inspire you to
come volunteer with us:
Chalice Camp (July 8-12), a new batch of RE Summer Sunday ArtWorks pop-up art classes in summer 2019, training teachers for
Our Whole Lives programs in the 2019-2020 RE year, a handful of exciting
Family Ministry Team events, and naturally, another solid Sunday morning RE program for our children and youth. Come help us unfold all we have to offer.
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Re: RE and Events!
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-Sunday, January 13, Rev. Roger and the Family Ministry Team are hosting a YMCA party.
-Sunday, January 20 Spirit Play will engage in the story of Old Turtle in preview of Rev. Roger's Old Turtle and the Broken Truth sermon on our all ages Sunday, February 27. Old Turtle, by Douglas Wood, is a Violet Promise Story and was adapted by Rev. Emily Manvel Leite. In the Wondering Questions at the end of the story, we ask the kids:
"I wonder if the other beings like the bear and the robin are also a part of the prayer of the earth and the message of love?"
-Sunday, January 27 is our service for all ages. No RE is scheduled.
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January Religious Education (RE) Calendar
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Sunday, January 6
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play, JHYG, & SHYG
11:30-1:00 Kid's Freedom Club
Sunday, January 13
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play, JHYG, & SHYG
Sunday, January 20
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-10:50 Spirit Play in Room 7/8. No JHYG & no SHYG.
Sunday, January 27: Old Turtle and the Broken Truth
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 All-ages worship in the Sanctuary
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Second Tuesday
TED Talk
January 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library
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TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech, and creativity. We view and discuss several talks each month on a specific theme.
For January, Tiffany Urness will be TED Talk facilitator on the theme: Happy People - New research and perspectives.
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Guest Speakers
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The Sikh Religion: A Forum with Rev. Ilene Kaur Tompkins-Gillispie
Sunday, January 20, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.; freewill donations suggested
Our presenter is a lifelong Sikh and a lifelong UU. After her morning sermon, come look in more depth at the Sikh religion, which originated in the 1400s in the Punjab region of South Asia (now India and Pakistan). Its founder, Guru Nanak, was born to a Hindu family in 1469. Its holy book contains mostly devotional poetry and not narrative prose like many other scriptures. Features of Sikhism include vegetarianism, no required rituals, a gender-neutral deity, and emphasis on women's equality. Many Sikhs live in California, especially in the Central Valley. Come learn more about this faith.
Unitarian England-Historic and Current Sites: Slides and Stories
With Rev. Dr. David Usher and Rev. Dr. Roger Jones
Sunday, February 17, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Main Hall; no cost.
David Usher
is a graduate of Oxford University with 35 years as a UU minister in both England and the U.S., and he now resides in California.
From May 1 to 13, David will lead a tour of Unitarian England for UUs from the Sacramento area and Northern California. (
Read more at this link
or get a brochure from the Connections Table or UUSS Office.) Whether or not you can join him on that pilgrimage to some of the UK's finest churches, historic religious sites, and beautiful cities and landscapes, come today to enjoy David's humor, insight and great stories about our nonconformist ancestors.
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Experienced Meditators Group
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This group is about deepening our meditation practices through sharing our insights and listening to one another. It is for people who are dedicated to a regular meditation practice and ideally have some retreat experience.
It will not be a traditional class in the sense of Doug Kraft's setting the curriculum, content, and topics and giving mini-lectures. It will be a group with everyone sharing, asking questions, suggesting topics, and listening. Doug expects to fully participate but not to direct the group.
The class will be ten weeks starting on Friday, January 25 through March 29 from 12:00 to 2:30 in the UUSS Library. If you are interested, sign up at the Adult Enrichment table on Sunday mornings or contact
Doug@easingawake.com
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Book Readers Group
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On Tuesday, January 29, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7 p.m. in the Library to discuss All the Lives We Never Lived by Anuradha Roy. For more information, email
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Adult Educational Opportunities to Enjoy at Home
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The holidays are over and there will still be early sunsets and hopefully lots of rain. What a great time to stay home to enjoy the many educational opportunities the Adult Enrichment (AE) table has available. We have CDs and DVDs that you can check out like a lending library. Find topics like The Transcendentalist Movement, Great World Religions, Masterworks of Early 20th Century Literature, and The Story of Human Language, to name a few. Visit the AE table on Sunday morning, browse the list, check one out, keep it as long as you need, and return it to the AE table when you are done. It's as easy as that. There are hours of material to enjoy by yourself or share with others.
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Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
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Every Sunday before church (except the fifth Sunday) we offer a different form of spiritual practice.
They start at 9:45 and go until 10:15 a.m. so you won't be late for the service.
Childcare is available, no reservation needed. Drop off your child in room 11 as early as 9:30 a.m.
1st Sunday - Labyrinth Walk. This session starts with an introduction to help you get the most out of your experience. Come experience this ancient form of walking meditation. Meet Jerry Houseman at the Labyrinth.
2nd Sunday - QiGong and Tai Chi Chuan in the Fahs Room.Join John McMillan and experience a taste of this transforming practice.
3rd Sunday - Silent Meditation
in Room 6.Need some silence in your week? Our wonderful team of meditation leaders will help you settle into a quiet time and space.
4th Sunday - Reading and Reflection on Poetry and Prose in
Room 6. JoAnn Anglin - a wonderful poet herself - leads this spiritual deepening practice of finding your meaning in a piece of poetry and sharing your thought with others.
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Sunday, January 20 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fahs Classroom in the Education Building. This month's topic: "
Social Justice: How Do We Live Our Values?"
Join us every third Sunday of the month before the service for "Exploring Unitarian Universalism." There are four different 45-minute sessions offered consecutively:
Principles and Sources, Faith, Social Justice, UU History.
Both newcomers and longtime members are welcome. Each class includes some presentation, sharing by current members, and opportunity for small group discussion.
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MORE THINGS TO KNOW AND DO
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Theater One's Special Request Opens January 4 at UUSS
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Theater One's world premiere of
Special Request, an original work by local writer Timothy J. Foley, opens Friday, January 4, 8 p.m. and continues through January 27.
Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There is NO performance on Friday, January 11. Tickets are affordable: $15 General Admission, with $13 tickets for students, seniors, and Sacramento Area Regional Theater Alliance (SARTA) members.
The play begins with a dying man's request of a young woman he scarcely knows, and leads to a moving exploration of life, literature, and the legacies we leave behind. Lonon Smith, UUSS member who recently received a SARTA Elly Award for his script adaptation for Treasure Island, directs the play.
Special Request was originally scheduled to open August 31, but instead benefited from some re-casting, re-scheduling, and fine-tuning to emerge better than before and well worth the wait.
Anyone interested in
volunteering in any capacity with Theater One, a community outreach program of UUSS that has quietly thrived for several decades, please e-mail us at
Theaterone@uuss.org.
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Alliance for All Program January 10
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Alliance for All - January 10
10:45 am - Noon
$3.00 to $5.00 donation appreciated
The Rev. Cynthia Davis, hospice and palliative care chaplain for Snowline Hospice will speak on her experiences serving people of all ages facing a terminal illness. Many of the people Rev. Cynthia serves continue treatment of their conditions, while others chose other options. Please join us as Rev. Cynthia
shares stories of walking with those facing end of life
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Before entering seminary in Berkeley, Cynthia Davis's career in gerontology spanned 20 years of work in community-based programs and services to low-income seniors and adults with disabilities for Adult Protective Services, dementia-specific Adult Day Health Care programs, and affordable housing with services. She has served on local and state boards representing the needs of seniors in California here and in the nation's capital. Before entering theological school, Cynthia served her local UU congregation as a worship leader, authored and led adult RE groups for care-givers and Senior Lifesong, focusing on the the concerns of seniors.
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150th Anniversary News -- National Recognition and Our Own Generosity
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UUSS has been recognized in proclamations by the Sacramento City Council, the California Assembly, and the U.S. House of Representatives! We've had several sermons and guest speakers about our heritage and importance in this region. UUSS families have purchased all of the festive and commemorative 150th ornaments. And we are very close to achieving the goal of $200,000 in Anniversary Gift donations! As of newsletter deadline, we were only $4,032 away from that goal.
Our Anniversary Gifts are funding expanded parking lot lighting and the installation of a permanent patio cover structure. Both improvements will make our spaces more useable and more welcoming to all who come to the UUSS campus.
We appreciate the support received so far-with gifts from $15 to $15,000. Are you ready to help UUSS reach success? Drop off your gift on Sunday or mail it to the Office. Contact Michele Ebler to provide your credit card number or inquire about stock donations. Or Donate Now using the GIVE tab at
www.uuss.org.
Thank you for your support and for a great anniversary year!
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January 2019 is CLEAN-UP Month at UUSS
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It has been three years since we sorted, filed, cleaned, and purged, so we are starting 2019 by being dapper.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, Tuesday, January 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
to inventory the Pantry, Main Kitchen, and Tablecloths. Please contact
glorywicklund@comcast.net
. You can work as little or as many hours as you want and there are tasks at which you can sit down.
We are asking ALL committees or groups using the main building and the RE wing, including those in shared space, to clean up your areas this month. There will be trash cans available. If there are usable items, please put them in Lost and Found or the Red Grocery Cart for the Food Banks.
Some have made a head start! All items in the Fahs Kitchen were items removed and cleaned-first time in 10+ years.
The Coffee Kitchen was cleaned and inventoried by Tracy Jones/Gary Keill, and the Welcome Hall buffet cabinets were sorted, cleaned, and relabeled. The kitchens will be closed January 7, 8, 9. On January 7, the hood and venting system will be professionally cleaned. In the Garden, trees are being trimmed on January 7.
By the February 16 Auction and Dinner, UUSS will be sparkling!
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Want to be a UUSS Greeter?
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Are you a natural "greeter"? Do you have a sunny smile and a warm welcome to give? UUSS Greeters meet people as they arrive for the service. They may hand out printed programs, distribute hymnals, help people find seats, or take up the offering. They staff a Welcome Table before and after the service to answer questions and to offer visitor cards and name tags. There will be a Greeter orientation and training this Sunday,
January 6, and you may sign up for it at the Welcome Table on Sundays. For more information, contact Greeter Scheduler Jean Kohlhoff at
welcome@uuss.org.
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Artist Reception -- January 25
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Please join us for the next artist reception featuring Linda Clark Johnson on Friday, January 25, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Linda Clark Johnson works in cyanotype, mixed media collage, and watercolor in her sunny Sacramento studio. She strives to create artwork that is atmospheric, layered, and intriguing, and quietly celebrates the beauty of the natural world. Come and learn about the cyanotype process. For more information contact Patricia Pratt at (916) 482-3018.
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WHO WE ARE AND WHERE TO FIND US
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The
UUSS Office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Office closed January 1 for New Year's Day
January 21 for Martin Luther King Jr Day
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Are you having an event at UUSS, and need to find a custodian ASAP?
You're in luck! The Custodians have a new direct number 916-215-0658. Gerald will be in possession of the phone Monday-Thursday 4:00 pm to 9:30pm and Miguel will be in possession on Friday nights and Saturday from 6:00-2:30pm.
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Serving Our Congregation
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UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD of TRUSTEES
Margaret Wilcox, President Denis Edgren,
Vice-President
Victoria Owens, Treasurer Sally White, Secretary
Kathy Bernard Carl Crain
David Harlow Joseph Turner
Roger Olson
Maya Auriemma, Youth Trustee
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of the month (exception on November 30)
Marian Ashe (Chairperson) Linda Roth
Patty Budding Tamara Olson
Michael Miller
Program
Council meetings: 7:00 p.m., 3rd Thursday of the month.
Ministers
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones &
Rev. Lucy Bunch (on sabbatical till April)
Rev. Douglas Kraft, Minister Emeritus
Church Staff Members
Krystal Gollaher, Administrative and Facilities Coordinator
Michele Ebler, Bookkeeper
Elaine Cooper, Receptionist
Miranda Massa, Religious Education Coordinator
Keith Atwater, Music Director ~
Ina Jun
, Pianist
Shannon Ebler and Leticia Valdez, Childcare Providers
Gerald Worley - Sunday thru Thursday, Evening Custodian
Miguel Neri - Friday to Sunday, Custodian
Ivan Caballero, Sunday Audio Tech
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